All five members of K-pop girl group NewJeans announced on November 12 their return to management agency ADOR. The decision follows a late October court ruling upholding their exclusive contract, ending a year-long legal dispute.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled in late October that the exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR remains valid. Accordingly, ADOR announced on November 12 that Haerin and Hyein, after consulting with their families, decided to respect the court's verdict and continue working with the agency.
"Haerin and Hyein have expressed their intention to continue working with ADOR," the company said in a release. "After consulting with their families and holding sufficient discussions with ADOR, the two members decided to respect the court's verdict and the exclusive contract." ADOR added that it will make full efforts to support their future activities in the entertainment industry.
Shortly after, the remaining three members—Danielle, Minji, and Hanni—announced their return following prudent consultations. "One member is currently in Antarctica, and thus our stance was delivered late. As ADOR is currently not responding, we are notifying it individually," the three said in a release. ADOR stated it is confirming their intention to return.
The dispute began when NewJeans announced contract termination in November last year, claiming broken trust due to ADOR's failure to fulfill obligations. ADOR filed a lawsuit the following month, arguing the group's independent pursuits constituted a serious breach. In late October, ADOR said it had completed preparations for activities, including a regular album release.
With this, NewJeans is set to reunite under ADOR and resume activities. Industry sources indicated Haerin and Hyein may start under the NewJeans name, though it remains unclear if they will wait for the others.
